Leave Guidelines Overview
Who has this policy been developed for?
This policy has been developed for the Commonwealth public sector. It is suggested that State and Territory public sectors adopt similar measures.
What is the policy?
Policy – Australian Public Service (APS) Agencies and Commonwealth authorities and companies.
The Australian Government Employment Bargaining Framework (Bargaining Framework) requires the incorporation of leave policies and employment practices in enterprise agreements and other workplace arrangements that support the release of Defence Reservists for peacetime training and deployment (Bargaining Framework, Part 4.2).
Where can you find more details about the Government policy requirements?
A copy of the Bargaining Framework can be found by visiting the Workplace Relations section of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website at www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/Pages/default.aspx and following the link to Policies, then Australian Government Employment. The Supporting Guidance to the Bargaining Framework also provides further detail as to how the policy is to be implemented.
What approach does Defence recommend in the public sector?
Specifically, Defence recommends agencies:
Provide four weeks (20 working days or 28 calendar days) leave on full pay each year for Reservists undertaking Defence service
Provide an additional two weeks paid leave to allow for Reservists’ attendance at recruit/initial employment training
Provide scope for additional leave for Defence service, either on a paid, unpaid or top-up pay basis
Not require Reservists to pay their tax-free Reserve salary to their agency under any circumstances
Allow Defence leave entitlements to accumulate and be taken over a two–year period
Treat leave for Defence service, whether with or without pay as service for all purposes — the exception being that a period or periods of Continuous Full Time Defence Service does not count as service for the purpose of annual leave accrual
Provide Reservists with continued access to other components of their remuneration package during periods of Defence service, for example: superannuation (subject to the rules of the CSS, PSS and Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme), studies assistance, salary reviews and cars In addition, it is important that agencies keep their Reservist employees informed of developments in the workplace while the Reservists are undertaking training or are on deployment. More broadly, the Australian Government strongly encourages APS agencies to actively promote the benefits of Reserve service to their employees. Defence Reserves Support communication staff can assist agencies with promotional material.
This policy has been developed for the Commonwealth public sector. It is suggested that State and Territory public sectors adopt similar measures.
What is the policy?
Policy – Australian Public Service (APS) Agencies and Commonwealth authorities and companies.
The Australian Government Employment Bargaining Framework (Bargaining Framework) requires the incorporation of leave policies and employment practices in enterprise agreements and other workplace arrangements that support the release of Defence Reservists for peacetime training and deployment (Bargaining Framework, Part 4.2).
Where can you find more details about the Government policy requirements?
A copy of the Bargaining Framework can be found by visiting the Workplace Relations section of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website at www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/Pages/default.aspx and following the link to Policies, then Australian Government Employment. The Supporting Guidance to the Bargaining Framework also provides further detail as to how the policy is to be implemented.
What approach does Defence recommend in the public sector?
Specifically, Defence recommends agencies:
Provide four weeks (20 working days or 28 calendar days) leave on full pay each year for Reservists undertaking Defence service
Provide an additional two weeks paid leave to allow for Reservists’ attendance at recruit/initial employment training
Provide scope for additional leave for Defence service, either on a paid, unpaid or top-up pay basis
Not require Reservists to pay their tax-free Reserve salary to their agency under any circumstances
Allow Defence leave entitlements to accumulate and be taken over a two–year period
Treat leave for Defence service, whether with or without pay as service for all purposes — the exception being that a period or periods of Continuous Full Time Defence Service does not count as service for the purpose of annual leave accrual
Provide Reservists with continued access to other components of their remuneration package during periods of Defence service, for example: superannuation (subject to the rules of the CSS, PSS and Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme), studies assistance, salary reviews and cars In addition, it is important that agencies keep their Reservist employees informed of developments in the workplace while the Reservists are undertaking training or are on deployment. More broadly, the Australian Government strongly encourages APS agencies to actively promote the benefits of Reserve service to their employees. Defence Reserves Support communication staff can assist agencies with promotional material.
These guidelines have been developed, in consultation with peak bodies, for all private sector employers. Federal, State, Territory and Local Governments and their instrumentalities are covered under separate policies.
The business environment is complex and multi-faceted. A single solution will not suit all circumstances. Accepting this, the aim of these guidelines is to provide a model of supportive arrangements and practices that is of general application.
The business environment is complex and multi-faceted. A single solution will not suit all circumstances. Accepting this, the aim of these guidelines is to provide a model of supportive arrangements and practices that is of general application.
The guidelines provide clear direction to employers, Reservists and the Defence Force in relation to Reservists employed in the private sector. Employers are strongly encouraged to adopt the guidelines as a best-practice model for supportive workplace arrangements and practices.
Private Sector Defence Leave Documents
South Australian Government Leave Policy Click here
Western Australian Government Leave Policy Click here
Northern Territory Government Leave Policy Click here
Northern Territory Government Leave Policy Click here
Victorian Government Leave Policy Click here
New South Wales Government Leave Policy
Click here
New South Wales Local Government Leave Policy
www.premiers.nsw.gov.au
Policies for other states currently under development.
